Many of us who reload ammunition have heard the Dillon name many times. They have a reputation for producing quality reloading equipment and backing it up with a good guarantee.

What many of us didn’t know is that he had a hand in redesigning and building a minigun that’s currently being used by a number of military forces, including the USA’s, and that he loved to fly airplanes.

Sadly, the man who did all that and more has passed on. The following announcement was posted on Dillon’s Facebook page:

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mike Dillon. Mike left us on the morning of November 7th, 2016. He leaves behind a large family including wife Carol, sons Stephen and Christopher, daughter Stephanie, and 9 grandchildren.

Mike’s legacy has touched the lives of countless people worldwide. He revolutionized the ammunition reloading industry and made it what it is today. Mike also redesigned and manufactured the M134 Minigun that is now in service in the United States and foreign military forces. As a passionate aviator, he worked for TWA as a 2nd officer for 13 years and later made a name for himself as a writer for Air Progress Magazine. He is recognized by some as being the one who started the warbird restoration movement in the 1960’s.

Mike’s dedication to his family, his customers, and this country was exemplary. We hope to continue the legacy that Mike Dillon worked so hard to build and we will never forget the impact that he has had on us all. We take comfort knowing he is flying in the blue skies of heaven above.

Rest in peace, Mike. I will think fondly of you whenever I load handgun ammo on my old Dillon Square Deal B.